2 Hospitalized, Many Displaced After Boston Fire

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Two people have been hospitalized and more than a dozen displaced after a large fire broke out at a multi-family residence early Wednesday morning in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. The three-alarm blaze started around 4:45 a.m. and spread to a neighboring property, with heavy smoke and flames visible. All occupants were evacuated, and the majority of the fire was knocked down by 5:48 a.m., though three hotspots remained.

Why it matters

Residential fires can have devastating impacts on communities, causing injuries, displacement, and significant property damage. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety and emergency response protocols in densely populated urban areas.

The details

According to the Boston Fire Department, a firefighter was taken to the hospital after the ceiling collapsed, and another person transported was a resident. In total, 11 adults, two children, and two pets have been displaced by the incident, and the Red Cross Massachusetts is assisting them with finding temporary housing. The cause of the fire is currently unknown but is under investigation.

• The fire broke out at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
• All occupants were evacuated by 5:41 a.m.
• The majority of the fire was knocked down seven minutes later, by 5:48 a.m.

What’s next

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Boston Fire Department.